How popular is Yaakov?

Yaakov is an unusual given name for males. Yaakov is an equally unusual surname for both adults and children. (2000 U.S. DEMOGRAPHICS)

Yaakov entered the list in 1970-1979 and reached its apex position of #1017 in the U.S. in the year 2015, and is at #1205 presently. (TOP BABY NAMES, 2016)

Which version is better?

Prominent varying forms of Yaakov (#1205 IN 2016) are Jacob(#7), Jakob(#583), Yakov(#1554) and Akiva(#1741). Other variants, like Iakov, are seldom used. Usage of these forms of Yaakov was common among parents 17 years ago (USAGE OF 1.94%) and is now much less (USAGE 0.81%, ▼58%), with the version Jakob falling out of fashion.